Latin American News Roundup March
As specialist logistics service providers to and from the region, Envío has summarised a few recent items of Latin American news from this month.
Argentina – New President’s Austerity Agenda
Amid growing social tensions, the president is struggling to overcome hostile lawmakers to fully enact his radical austerity agenda. New President – Javier Milei – has been in office for over 100 days now and while achieving early success, he is struggling to implement his most far-reaching reforms. During his short spell in office he has devalued the peso by 50 percent, slashed state subsidies for fuel, and reduced the number of ministries by half, with many of his changes being welcomed by the IMF.
Argentina’s monthly inflation reading slowed to around 13% last month, which is still painfully high but down from a sharp peak in December. However, his austerity drive has been squeezing shoppers, and while it is intended to help rein in grocery price rises, protests have followed this month against government cuts to community food kitchens.
Brazil – Floods & Landslides Wreak Havoc
Storms and heavy rains led to floods and landslides that killed at least 25 people this month, with at least 5,200 people evacuated from their homes according to state authorities. The flash floods followed a record heatwave as humidity helped send the heat index soaring above 62 degrees Celsius. President Lula commented that such environmental tragedies “are intensifying with climate change”.
Haiti – Gang Violence State of Emergency
Armed gangs have taken over parts of Haiti’s capital, calling for the resignation of its Prime Minister and sending the city and country into chaos. The government declared a state of emergency this month after attacks on government buildings, banks, and private homes. Regular citizens, including children, have been caught in the middle and thousands of prisoners have been released onto the streets by organised crime gangs.
Panama – Canal Lifts Daily Passages
A much needed spell of rain enabled the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to increase the number of daily vessel passages this month from 24 to 27. This is still considerably lower than the 38-39 daily transits that were being made before last year’s severe drought, but is being viewed as a step in the right direction. Back in January there were fears that the number of passages would be cut to 18 by the end of February.
